On July 31, a team of six maritime archaeologists
will depart Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a 30-day expedition
to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands. The multidisciplinary expedition, which has a
maritime archaeology focus, will set sail aboard the NOAA ship
Hi'ialakai with approximately 20
scientists from various fields. In
addition to the archaeology team, the scientific party will include
shark researchers, coral genetics researchers, Native Hawaiian cultural
practitioners and a wilderness documentary filmmaker.

A Trotman
style anchor rests on the seafloor at the Dunnottar Castle
shipwreck site at Kure Atoll.(Photo: Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries)

This year, the maritime archaeology team will
begin its work at French Frigate Shoals, where researchers will work to
create a detailed map of what is believed to be the wreck of the
turn-of-the-century wooden schooner Churchill.
Other highlights of the
cruise include wreck site mapping at Pearl and Hermes Atoll, artifact
retrieval from Kure Atoll for conservation and display in a visitor
center, and filming of a maritime heritage documentary video at Midway
Atoll.

The main objectives of the expedition are to
interpret these diverse archaeological sites through underwater
mapping, video and photography, and to share their stories with the
public in a variety of ways. These kinds of resources tell fascinating
stories about hundreds of years of seafaring throughout these atolls.
The development of a film, site plans and a museum exhibit will help
the public touch and see the history of this very remote and special
place.